Mobile storage unit

ABSTRACT

A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit comprises at least two structural frames, a seat portion coupled to the at least two structural frames, a handle assembly coupled to the seat portion, a bottom panel coupled to the at least two structural frames whereby a storage area is created below the seat portion, above the bottom portion and between the at least two structural frames and at least two wheels coupled to the bottom panel. Through the use of the present invention, the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Additionally, the mobile storage unit provides an easily accessible storage area for the user/student in the case where no locker is provided. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable luggage and more particularlyto a mobile storage unit with an integrated seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks are commonplace in use, for example, as a carrier toconveniently transport a student's books and belongings to school. Theusual advantage is in supporting a substantial or inconvenient load on auser's torso, specifically the user's back, rather than the user's armswhich would tire more quickly. It also frees up the user's arms forother use. FIG. 1 shows a typical backpack configuration. FIG. 1 shows astudent 110 carrying a backpack 120.

The use of backpacks is steadily increasing amongst grade schoolstudents since many schools are being built without lockers in order tostop vandalism and prevent students from hiding drugs or weapons. Sincethere are no lockers, students are forced to carry all of theirbelongings in a single backpack. Couple this with the fact thattextbooks are getting bigger—some tip the scales at six pounds—and inincrease in after school activities and the result is an increasedamount of weight that students are carrying on their backs.

This extra burden that students are faced with can result in poorposture and back pain. Studies show that the average daily load carriedby students is 20.5 lbs., with the maximum load reaching as much as 50lbs. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,some 6,000 kids age 17 and under suffered backpack-related sprains andstrains costing an average of $11,000 per injury.

Accordingly, what is needed is a device that addresses theabove-outlined problems associated with the use of backpacks. Thepresent invention addresses such a need.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit comprises atleast two structural frames, a seat portion coupled to the at least twostructural frames, a handle assembly coupled to the seat portion, abottom panel coupled to the at least two structural frames whereby astorage area is created below the seat portion, above the bottom portionand between the at least two structural frames and at least two wheelscoupled to the bottom panel.

Through the use of the present invention, the potential for backproblems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack iseliminated. Additionally, the mobile storage unit provides an easilyaccessible storage area for the user/student in the case where no lockeris provided. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seatportion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seatin situations where one is needed yet not available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a typical backpack configuration.

FIG. 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the mobile storage unit wherein the handle is in a fullyextended position.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the mobile storage unit inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of the mobile storage unit in accordance with thepresent invention being utilized in conjunction with a fabric material.

FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the mobile storage unit inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the mobile storage unit inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a mobile storage unit. The followingdescription is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art tomake and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patentapplication and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferredembodiment and the generic principles and features described herein willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles andfeatures described herein.

The present invention is presented in the context of a preferredembodiment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is amobile storage unit for use by students and the like for transportingtextbooks, school materials, etc. Accordingly, through the use of themobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention thepotential for back problems that are associated with the use of thetraditional backpack is eliminated. Furthermore, the mobile storage unitincorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobilestorage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet notavailable.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is presentedin the context of being utilized by students for the transportation oftextbooks, school supplies, etc., one of ordinary skill in the art willreadily recognize that the present invention could be used to transporta variety of articles (laptop computers, business materials, files,clothes, groceries, etc.) while remaining within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

For a better understanding of the present invention, please refer now toFIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an illustration of the preferred embodiment of themobile storage unit 200 in accordance with the present invention. Themobile storage unit 200 comprises first, second, third and fourthstructural frames 202, 232,7 222, 234, a seat portion 208, and a handleassembly 214. The mobile storage unit 200 also includes a right upperpanel 206, a left upper panel 220, a right lower panel 204, a left lowerpanel 228, a back panel 224, a front panel 238, and a bottom panel 236.The mobile storage unit 200 further comprises two wheels 226, 227.

The various components of the mobile storage unit 200 are interconnectedvia structural brackets 205. Accordingly the first structural frame 202is coupled to the seat portion 204 via structural brackets 205. Thefirst structural frame 202 is also coupled to the right upper panel 206,the right lower panel 204 and the front panel 236 via structuralbrackets 205. The handle assembly 214 is coupled to the seat portion208. The second structural frame 232 is coupled to the right upper panel206, the right lower panel 204 and the bottom panel 236 via structuralbrackets 205.

The third structural frame 222 is coupled to the left upper panel 220,the lower left panel 228 and the bottom panel 236. The fourth structuralframe 234 is coupled to the seat portion 208, the right upper panel 220,the left lower panel 228, and the front panel 238 via structuralbrackets 205. The wheels 226, 227 are coupled to the right and leftlower panels 204, 228 respectively via structural brackets 205.

The area below the seat portion 208 and above the bottom panel 238defines a storage area 203. It is within this storage area 203 that auser can place articles such as textbooks, school materials, laptopcomputers, clothes, etc. It should be naturally understood that thestorage area 203 should provide enough space to accommodate thesematerials, however the size of the storage area will depend on thedimensions and configurations of the various components (structuralframes, panels, etc.) of the mobile storage unit 200.

The structural frames 202, 232 222, 234 are preferably comprised ofrigid structural tubing. The tubing could be comprised of aluminum, highstrength plastic or any of a variety of structural rigid materials.

The structural brackets 205 are preferably comprised of polishedaluminum or high strength plastic, however it should be appreciated thatany of a variety of materials could be utilized. The structural brackets205 are preferably attached to the various components of the mobilestorage unit 200 via mechanical bolts or fasteners thereby providingrigidity to the mobile storage unit. It should be readily apparentthough that the structural brackets could also be attached to thevarious components via a strong adhesive (high strength glue, epoxy,etc.) or a variety of other fastening means.

The seat portion 208 is coupled to the first and fourth structuralframes 202, 234 via the structural brackets 205 and is designed toprovide a “seat” for a user of the mobile storage unit 200. The seatportion 208 is designed to accommodate up to 600 lbs. and is preferablycomprised of a high strength rigid material such as a polycarbonatematerial, reinforced nylon, etc. Accordingly, a user sits on the seatportion 208 when the mobile storage unit is in an upright position (asshown in FIG. 2).

In addition to providing a seat for the user, the seat portion 208 alsoincludes an integrated handle 211 whereby the integrated handle 211 canbe utilized to pick up the mobile storage unit 200 with relative ease.Preferably, the integrated handle 211 comprises two apertures 210, 212in the seat portion 208 wherein the two apertures 210, 212 have asection of rigid material disposed therebetween. Accordingly, thesection of rigid material disposed between the two apertures 210, 212can be grasped by a user in order to pick up the mobile storage unit200.

The seat portion 208 also preferably includes a curved portion 240. Thecurved portion 240 is designed to provide lateral resistance to therigid material that comprises the seat portion 208, thereby preventingthe seat portion 208 from bending under the weight of user in situationswhere the mobile storage unit 200 is being utilized as a seat for theuser.

The handle assembly 214 is coupled to the seat portion 208 and ispreferably comprised of a high strength plastic material. The handleassembly 214 comprises a handle tray 218 and an extendable/retractablehandle 216 coupled to the handle tray 218. The handle tray 218 ispreferably coupled to the seat portion 208 via a strong adhesivecompound or other suitable means. The handle 216, when in an extendedposition, is designed to be grasped by the user thereby allowing theuser to pull and transport the mobile storage unit 200. For a betterunderstanding, please see FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the mobile storage unit200 wherein the handle 216 is in a fully extended position.

Please refer back to FIG. 2. The handle 216 includes a button 217. Thebutton 217, when depressed, triggers a locking mechanism wherein thelocking mechanism locks/unlocks the handle 216 when the handle 216 is invarious extended positions. For example, if the user doesn't want tofully extend the handle 216, the user can extend the handle 216 to adesired extension and depress the button 217, thereby “locking” thehandle 216 at the desired extension. A subsequent depression of thebutton 217 “unlocks” the handle 216 thereby allowing the user toextend/retract the handle 216 accordingly.

Although the preferred embodiment of the mobile storage unit isdescribed as incorporating the above-described handle assembly, one ofordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that a variety ofhandle assemblies could by employed while remaining within the spiritand scope of the present invention.

The upper and lower panels 204, 206, 220, 228, along with the front andback panels 224, 238 are preferably comprised of the same material asthe seat portion 208 and are designed to add rigidity to the mobilestorage unit 200. The panels preferably include holes 230 disposedtherein. These holes 230 serve two purposes. First, they areincorporated to reduce the weight of the panels and thereby reduce theoverall weight of the mobile storage unit 200. Additionally, the holes230 in the upper panels 206, 220 and lower panels 204, 228 can be usedto hold key rings and the like or to incorporate bungee cord or otherarticles.

The mobility of the mobile storage unit 200 is provided via the wheels226, 227. Preferably a first wheel 227 is coupled to the lower rightpanel 204 and the second structural frame 232 via a structural bracket205 and a second wheel 226 is coupled to the lower left panel 228 andthe third structural frame 222 via a structural bracket 205. The wheels226, 227 are preferably at least 100 mm in diameter and can include LEDlights to increase the visibility of mobile storage unit 200 when themobile storage unit 200 is used at night or in similar darksurroundings.

Although the preferred embodiment of the mobile storage unit inaccordance with the present invention employs only two wheels, analternate embodiment of the present invention could employ a third andfourth wheel. For a better understanding, please refer now to FIG. 4.FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the mobile storage unit inaccordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a third wheel 427,located above the first wheel 227, coupled to the lower right panel 204and the second structural frame 232 via a structural bracket 205 and afourth wheel 426, located above the second wheel 226, coupled to thelower left panel 228 and the third structural frame 222 via a structuralbracket 205.

The third and fourth wheels 426, 427 add convenience to the mobilestorage unit 200 in that they enable the mobile storage unit to traversecurbs and stairs with less difficulty. For example, if the user isattempting to traverse a curb with the two-wheeled configuration, thesecond and third structural frames 222, 232 engage the curb surfacefirst. Accordingly, in order to engage the first and second wheels 226,227 with the curb surface, the user has to drag the mobile storage unitup the curb surface against the friction of the second and thirdstructural frames 222, 232.

However, with the incorporation of the third and fourth wheels 426, 427,the third and fourth wheels 426, 427 will engage the curb surface firstwhen the user attempts to traverse the curb. This allows the user topull the mobile storage unit up the curb surface and subsequently engagethe first and second wheels 226, 227 without the friction of the secondand third structural frames 222, 232. This significantly decreases theburden that the user faces when traversing curbs and stairs with themobile storage unit.

It is further contemplated that the mobile storage unit in accordancewith the present invention could be used in conjunction with case or bagcomprised of a reinforced fabric material such as canvas. For a moredetailed understanding, please refer now to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is aperspective of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the presentinvention being utilized in conjunction with the bag.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the mobile storage unit includes a bag 510wherein the bag is displaced within the storage area of the mobilestorage unit. The bag 510 is preferably coupled to any or all of thestructural frames 202, 222, 234. Preferably, the bag 510 is coupled tothe respective structural frames utilizing a Velcro-type fastener orother suitable fastening means.

The bag 510 preferably includes two lockable zippers 511, 512 whereinthe bag 510 can be opened and closed thereby providing access to thestorage space within the mobile storage unit. The bag 510 also includesa zipper 513 for providing access to the storage space within the mobilestorage unit. Also shown is a side net pocket 514 that could be utilizedto store pens, pencils, calculators, etc.

Although the above-described embodiment of the mobile storage unit isdescribed as incorporating a reinforced fabric material such as canvas,one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that any of avariety of fabric materials could by employed in conjunction with themobile storage unit while remaining within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide braking meansfor the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention.Preferably, the braking means comprise respective extensions of thelower left and right panels. For a better understanding, please refernow to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of an alternateembodiment of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the presentinvention. Shown in FIG. 6 are the respective extensions 610, 620 of thelower left and right panels 204, 228.

As can be seen, the respective extensions 610, 620 of the lower left andright panels extend beyond the first and second respective wheels 226,227. Accordingly, when the mobile storage unit is being tilted to anupright position, the extensions 610, 620 engage the ground surface oncethe mobile storage unit reaches a tilt angle of between approximately10°-20°. Once the extensions 610, 620 engage the ground surface, theyprovide friction against the ground surface thereby enabling a user tobring the mobile storage unit to an upright position in a morecontrolled fashion. Preferably, rubber attachments 611, 621 are alsoincluded to decrease the wear on the respective extensions 610, 620.

Additionally, the extensions 610, 620 provide added stability when themobile storage unit in is an upright position. For example, if themobile storage unit is in an upright position and is being utilized as aseat, the extensions 610, 620 are in contact with the ground surface andnot the respective first and second wheels 226, 227. This prevents thewheels 226, 227 from engaging with the ground surface thereby causingthe mobile storage unit to slip and roll out from under the personsitting on it.

Although the preferred embodiment of the mobile storage unit has beendescribed as being utilized in conjunction with the above-describedbraking means, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognizethat a variety of braking means could be utilized in conjunction withthe mobile storage unit while remaining within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. For example, a spring loaded braking system thatis activated based on weight displacement (e.g. a person sitting on theseat) could be employed.

An additional feature that may be incorporated with the mobile storageunit are grinding rails. For a better understanding please refer to FIG.7. FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the mobile storage unit inaccordance with the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 7, twogrinding rails 710,720 are coupled to the back of the mobile storageunit. Preferably, the grinding rails 710, 720 are comprised of a hardplastic or metal material and provide protection for the second andthird structural frames 222, 232 when the mobile storage unit is beingutilized to traverse unusually high curbs and/or stairs.

A mobile storage unit has been disclosed. Through the use of the mobilestorage unit in accordance with the present invention the potential forback problems that are associated with the use of the traditionalbackpack is eliminated. Furthermore, the mobile storage unitincorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobilestorage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet notavailable.

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with theembodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyrecognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and thosevariations would be within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

1-24. (canceled)
 25. A mobile storage unit comprising: a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion, side portions, a front portion, a back portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a rigid top plate member supported by the side portions thereby forming a seat panel suitable for supporting a person in a sitting position while the mobile storage unit is in an upright position; b) a handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the mobile storage unit; and c) a first plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure for rolling the mobile storage unit allowing tilting of the mobile storage unit backwards and allowing pulling of the mobile storage unit with the handle.
 26. The mobile storage unit of claim 25, wherein the frame structure comprises pieces of tubing secured together through structural brackets.
 27. The mobile storage unit of claim 25, wherein the frame structure comprises panels defining the storage area.
 28. The mobile storage unit of claim 25, wherein the frame structure comprises support extensions protruding from the bottom portion to stabilize and support the mobile storage unit in the upright position.
 29. The mobile storage unit of claim 25, further comprising a second plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure and positioned above the first plurality of wheels.
 30. The mobile storage unit of clam 25, further comprising a flexible storage bag configured to couple to the frame structure, the flexible storage bag comprising compartments that are accessible through one or more of the side portions and the front portion of the rigid frame structure.
 31. The mobile storage unit of claim 30, wherein the flexible storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.
 32. The mobile storage unit of claim 25, wherein the handle is extendable upwards from the back portion of the frame structure.
 33. A mobile storage system comprising: a) a frame structure configured for supporting a seat and for framing a storage area, the frame structure comprising side members and a rigid top plate member coupled to the side members thereby forming the seat; b) a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure, to allow the system to be tilted and rolled on the wheels; and c) a base portion coupled to the frame structure for stabilizing the mobile storage system in an upright position.
 34. The mobile storage system of claim 33, wherein the frame structure further comprises panels.
 35. The mobile storage system of claim 33, further comprising a flexible storage bag configured to couple to the frame structure.
 36. The mobile storage system of claim 35, wherein side portions and a front portion of the frame structure are substantially open, such that pockets on the flexible storage bag are accessible through spaces of the side portions and the front portion of the frame structure.
 37. The mobile storage system of claim 35, wherein the flexible storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.
 38. The mobile storage system of claim 33, further comprising a handle coupled to the frame structure, wherein the handle extends upward from the frame structure.
 39. The mobile storage system of claim 38, wherein a back portion of the rigid frame structure further comprises a panel with apertures for lifting the system.
 40. The mobile storage system of claim 33, wherein the base portion comprises a panel.
 41. A portable storage unit comprising: a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion, side portions, a front portion, a back portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a rigid top plate member supported by the side portions thereby forming a seat panel suitable for supporting a person in a sitting position while the mobile storage unit is in an upright position; b) a storage bag coupled to the frame structure; c) a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure for rolling the portable storage unit; and d) an extendable handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the portable storage unit with the portable storage unit in the tilted position.
 42. The portable storage unit of claim 41, wherein the frame structure comprises pieces of tubing secured together through structural brackets.
 43. The portable storage unit of claim 41, wherein the frame structure comprises panels defining the storage area.
 44. The portable storage unit of claim 41, wherein the frame structure comprises support extensions protruding from the bottom portion to stabilize and support the mobile storage unit in the upright position.
 45. The portable storage unit of clam 41, wherein the flexible storage bag comprises compartments that are accessible through one or more of the side portions and the front portion of the rigid frame structure.
 46. The portable storage unit of claim 41, wherein the flexible storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features. 